17th January 2020
Africa
Timothy Radcliffe OP: On Christian Unity
Yves Congar OP, the greatest ecumenist of the twentieth century, discovered his theological vocation when he was a young Dominican friar and was overwhelmed by studying John 17, where Jesus prays that the disciples may be one as he and the Father are one. Congar called it ‘the apostolic prayer of Jesus for Christian unity’ and he gave his entire life to heal the divisions … Read more
DR Congo: Cardinal Ambongo Meets President Tshisekedi After Visit to Conflict-Ridden East
“I witnessed a traumatised population” the Cardinal said, adding that “it’s impossible to comprehend how human beings can behave like this towards their own brothers and sisters. As a pastor, this affected me profoundly.” Flashpoint of military conflict The region has been one of the more politically unstable parts of the country, with ongoing conflicts going back to the end of the 90s. Facing each … Read more
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18 – 25 January on Theme: ‘They Showed Us Unusual Kindness’
On 10th February many Christians in Malta celebrate the Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul, marking and giving thanks for the arrival of Christian faith on these islands. The reading from the Acts of the Apostles used for the feast is the text chosen for this year’s Week of Prayer. Hospitality is a much needed virtue in our search for Christian unity. It calls … Read more
‘The Bible is the Book of the Lord’s People’ – Pope Francis Announcing Sunday of the Word of God
In his letter, Pope Francis wrote, “A day devoted to the Bible should not be seen as a yearly event but rather a yearlong event, for we urgently need to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures and of the risen Lord, who continues to speak his word and to break bread in the community of believers.” “We need to develop a closer … Read more
Holy Land: Visiting and Supporting the Local Christian Communities
This annual visit was set up over 20 years ago at the invitation of the Holy See with the aim of visiting and supporting the Holy Land’s local Christian communities as they experience the political and socio-economic realities of living in Israel and Palestine. During their stay, the bishops will be based in Ramallah with an overnight visit to Gaza, where they will celebrate Sunday … Read more
Africa: What Hope for Peace in 2020 ? – A View from Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa
“The impetus for change is often really in the hands of those on the margins and we need to gather alongside the marginalized and together find strategies for change. This is also my hope for this year. That we will nurture small but feisty and strong-minded people determined to shape a better life for all and to hold those in power to account,” Pearson continued. … Read more
Cameroon: Revitalising the Episcopal Conference
“We need an Episcopal Conference where cultural diversity is an asset and not a hindrance to its growth,” Bishop Bayemi said, adding that he envisages a forum holding “high the values of our particular Church, that brings a response of faith to the men and women of our time.” He looks forward to a Bishops’ forum that “gives women, young people and children reason for … Read more
